So, You Want to Start a Laser Engraving Business.

You have a passion for laser engraving and now you want to start your own business. That’s great, but you need to know where to start and consider some hard truths that come with industry.

Laser engraving allows you to show your artisan and crafty side. It’s challenging to get started in this niche. Any kind of business comes with challenges, but it’s especially difficult to get started craftsman industries like laser engraving.

Your own business may give you the freedom to be your own boss, but that means you are a one-person business. Most craftsmen start businesses with no extraneous employees. As a one-person business, nothing gets created unless you do it. When nothing gets made, nothing gets sold. Nothing plus nothing equals nothing, therefore no revenue.

Ask yourself these questions before venturing into the laser engraving industry with your own business.

Are you a creative person who can custom make and personalize designs that will satisfy your customers?

Are you a sales-driven person who can pitch and sell your services?

Are you a problem solver who can handle any predicament with your customers without costing yourself money?

If you can answer “yes” to all three of these questions, you have a great of getting your laser engraving business off to a good start. If you answered “no” to any one of these questions, you should reassess your position. That doesn’t mean to ditch the whole project, but you will need to make some adjustments to make your big dream a reality.

Consider the equipment and supplies you’ll need.

A Laser System – You will need a laser system. When choosing a laser engraving system, determine your needs for the type, size, and wattage of the machine. These aspects also determine the price. The types of materials you plan to engrave is another aspect of the kind of system you will acquire. Laser engraving machines range from about $8,000 to $45,000.

OS and Software – Laser engraving equipment cannot work without the proper programming; therefore, you need to invest in an operating system and a graphics program for your specific system. Usually, you choose the equipment and the software and OS are included with the device.

Accessories – The accessories needed for your laser engraving business are determined by your needs and what you plan to engrave. Vector cutting, auto-focus, air compressor, and other types of accessories and attachments may be available for your system.

Materials – Once you have your equipment, OS and software, and any necessary accessories and attachments, you need to invest in whatever types of materials you plan to engrave. This can include such things as gifts, awards, trophies, signs, glassware, metal, and other types of surfaces used for customized and personalized laser engraving.

Now that you have all the key elements to start an engraving business, you need customers. That is the hardest part of any business, but especially with the laser engraving business. You can network, advertise, use social media, start a blog (important to every business), get involved in trade shows, join your local business organizations, and get familiar with local businesses, schools, and organizations that might need to use your talents. It’s hard work to get attention to your business. Ultimately, it’s totally up to you to get paying customers in your doors.